City officials outline Rodeo Parade route changes, safety and parking for 100th parade

City of Tucson officials told the Sunnyside Unified School District governing board the 100th annual Tucson Rodeo Parade will follow the same route used last year and that organizers have added safety and parking changes in response to issues observed in 2024.

Andy Squire, public information officer in the city manager’s office, and Joshua Rothschild, special events manager, briefed the board on road closures, neighborhood notification timelines and logistics. The parade will start at Drexel and South Twelfth Avenue, travel east on Drexel, turn north on Old Nogales Highway and end at Irvington Road. Neighbors were advised to leave the area by about 7:30 a.m. if they must be out of their homes; emergency access will be maintained for residents with urgent needs.

Officials said they will fence and sell paid parking near the bleachers on Drexel to control egress after the parade, install pedestrian rail along narrow stretches to keep spectators off the pavement, increase Tucson Police Department staffing for crowd and traffic control, and coordinate with volunteers and county crews for post‑parade clean‑up. The city will provide more trash receptacles and partner with Pima County and probation crews for cleanup.

Organizers also noted designated overnight parking will be available between Twelfth and Liberty avenues and that overnight security will be provided. Officials cited large anticipated turnout for the centennial parade—about 31 entries, 11 bands, roughly 639 horses and approximately 2,633 participants—and said some larger wagons and an eight‑horse wagon will join the procession.

The city asked the district to share parade information with families; officials said a full information page will be available on tucsonaz.gov with transit reroutes, parking maps and safety guidance. Board members thanked the presenters and asked follow‑up questions about overnight parking and cleanup operations.